A word of the day which Mr Lupin taught me

[alt_hermione]

Today the word is polydipsia, which Mr Lupin taught me means "excessively thirsty." Mr Lupin's clabbert, Clifton, had polydipsia this morning, which Mr Lupin says is a sign that his hutch is too hot and needs to be moved out of the sun. That is awfully hard work so Mr Lupin was nice enough to give me a break.

It is a nice change from scrubbing toilets but I'm back on them in the afternoon. My least favorite job is serving at table, though. It never seems like I'm quite clean enough to really serve food, so I feel guilty before I even start, and then everyone stares.

It isn't so bad though because at least Terry has taken care of his problem and I know that this will end and then I'll go back to the library. The first day I was so miserable I cried and cried and cried. I couldn't believe that anyone would be so mean, even though I know that people are mean to other Mudbloods all the time. It just had never happened to me really, since Mum and Dad always took care of me in the camps. If I didn't have parents, like Terry, I wouldn't have cried I bet, because I would have been used to it.

I haven't heard from Mum and Dad in a long time. I hope they're okay.

Comments

[alt_terry]

what is it like to have parents? boot did have parents, too, but boot showed magic so early that boot got taken away very young and doesn't remember them. boot was about 3, maybe? don't know what happened to them.

boot wishes he could remember them.

[alt_terry]

not having parents doesn't mean you don't ever cry

[alt_hermione]

They're always nice to you, even when they're scolding you it's a nice kind of scolding. And if there isn't much to eat they give you some of theirs. And they make sure you're warm, if it's cold, by letting you sleep between them.

At least you didn't know to be upset when you were taken away from them. I didn't show my magic until I was almost nine, you know, and I was so upset. I thought the world was going to end because Mum and Daddy weren't around.

[alt_terry]

boot tries to imagine what a "nice" kind of scolding would be, but can't quite see it.

sorry you had to be taken away from them. but glad you came here. boot wouldn't have met you otherwise.

thinking about what you said about not feeling quite clean enough to serve food. dont be angry at boot for suggesting it, but what would you think about cutting your hair? might be a lot easier, than having it fly in your face all the time. hermione's hair is awfully springy. boot keeps his so short because it's easier to keep clean. boot could help cut it, if you like. or maybe hermione could braid it, get it out of the way.

[alt_hermione]

Mum always liked it long like this

Okay, I suppose. If you would cut it. Not too short, though, I don't want to look like a boy.

[alt_terry]

Not too short, boot promises. and will leave just a little longer in the back you can braid into a short braid, so no one thinks hermione is a boy

maybe hermione will be able to grow it longer again someday. it doesn't have to be permanent. just to make it a little easier right now.

Order Only

[alt_sirius]

Moony has a clabbert named Clifton?

Statistically speaking, werewolves are weakest right after the full moon, but remember my warning, Hermione: Lupin is very nice, and I hate to say it, not to be trusted. Consider that he is not in the Order. Was he

But I'm happy to hear Terry has solved his problem, and sorry that Professor McGonagall had to make an example of you. You do know she is doing it to protect us all, I hope?

If all goes well, you'll see your parents before long.

Re: Order Only

[alt_hermione]

I know. It's just hard to remember that when you're hungry or tired or have to clean out fifty toilets with a toothbrush.

Re: Order Only

[alt_sirius]

I remember one detention in which we had to trim the grounds of the Quidditch pitch with nail clippers. Without magic.

(Have you asked the house elves for a spot of help?)

Re: Order Only

[alt_hermione]

Yes, but the punishment doesn't have to do with when the toilets are clean, you see. Even if they're clean I have to go on cleaning them. It's due to last for a month.

[alt_lupin]

Hermione, your parents wouldn't be Elizabeth and William Granger, would they? Of Knightsbridge?

[alt_hermione]

Not of Knightsbridge since I was a year old, but yes, I suppose. Why? Do you know them?

[alt_lupin]

I know of them, yes.

They are as well as can be expected. Alive, reasonably healthy. I thought you might want to know.

[alt_hermione]

Truly? Thank you! How - where are they now? Are they still in the same camp? Have they moved on?

[alt_sirius]

Happy Birthday, Hermione

[alt_hermione]

What should I say?

Order only

[alt_sirius]

Nothing.

Say nothing. You've had nothing to do with this and with luck no one will notice.

But Boot is right: giving in to a bully, in any form, only gives them a leg to stand on the next time they come 'round looking to give you grief.

Even if you had your reasons.